WordGarden.iohumorous
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /hjˈuːmərəs/
US
- /ˈhjumərəs/
Meanings
Adjective
funny or intended to make people laugh
having or showing a sense of humor
Beyond the definition
Something humorous makes you laugh or smile. It is often more than just silly; it may be clever, playful, or quietly funny. A comedian tries to be humorous through jokes and stories. You might call a movie humorous if it has many funny scenes and characters. But it is not always about loud laughter. Sometimes an ironic moment or a dry comment is humorous in a softer way. It can also describe a person: a humorous friend knows how to lighten the mood.
The word "humorous" describes something that causes amusement, laughter, or a smile. It is close in meaning to "funny," but it often suggests a little more wit, skill, or subtlety than simple silliness. A slapstick comedy may be very funny, while a clever satire is often described as humorous.
The context matters. You can describe a person as having a "humorous disposition," meaning they naturally see the funny side of things and enjoy making others laugh. A "humorous anecdote" is not just a funny story; it is often told with charm and good timing. A writer might use a "humorous tone" to create a light, entertaining feeling in a piece of writing.
Historically, "humorous" is connected to the old idea of the body's "humors," which were once believed to shape a person's health and temperament. Over time, the word developed its modern sense and became closely linked with good spirits, wit, and amusement.
So, while "funny" simply means causing laughter, "humorous" often suggests something a bit more thoughtful or skillful. It can describe a joke, a story, a person, a style of writing, or even a situation that has a playful or witty side. It is about seeing and showing what is amusing in life.
Examples
- 1
Fiction
It’s a humorous novel about life in a small town.
- 2
Meeting opener
She opened the meeting with a humorous story from her trip.
- 3
Critical review
His review was critical but still humorous.
- 4
Office life
The article takes a humorous look at office life.
- Patterntake a humorous look at + topic
discuss it in a funny way
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Serious topics
Even when she writes about stressful situations, her tone stays light and humorous.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- humorousadjective